Complexity and Simplicity in the Balance.

Is it advantageous to be less or more complex in the evolutionary process?

The current general consensus is as follows.

Complex organisms, like humans, have developed advanced cognitive abilities and social structures that allow them to thrive in a wide range of environments. They can adapt to changes in their environment, solve complex problems, and communicate effectively with each other. This complexity has allowed humans to develop technologies and societies that enable us to survive and prosper despite the challenges posed by our environment.

On the other hand, simpler organisms, like many bacteria and single-celled organisms, can survive in a wider variety of environments than complex organisms. They don't need as much energy or resources to survive, and they can reproduce rapidly, allowing them to outcompete more complex organisms in certain situations. However, their lack of complexity limits their ability to adapt to changes or survive in environments that are too harsh or too complex for them.

@pettytalk said
Is it advantageous to be less or more complex in the evolutionary process?

The current general consensus is as follows.

Complex organisms, like humans, have developed advanced cognitive abilities and social structures that allow them to thrive in a wide range of environments. They can adapt to changes in their environment, solve complex problems, and communicate effe ...[text shortened]... r ability to adapt to changes or survive in environments that are too harsh or too complex for them.

Only complex organisms can fully appreciate a cappuccino.

@ghost-of-a-duke said
Only complex organisms can fully appreciate a cappuccino.

Whereas an untreated indoor swimming pool is more the cup of tea for an amoeba.

@pettytalk said
Is it advantageous to be less or more complex in the evolutionary process?

Increasing complexity is one of the outcomes of the evolutionary process; therefore in general terms, it must be an advantage.

Depends upon the environment. As a general rule organisms that have a higher rate of reproduction than their competitors have an evolutionary advantage.

@ghost-of-a-duke said
Only complex organisms can fully appreciate a cappuccino.

Only if the cappuccino is simple enough. Too much of this or too little of that simply ruins it. The temperature and optical presentation contribute to the complexity, not to mention the sin of using artificial sweeteners. Without sweeteners, the complexity intended from the blending of the various coffee beans' natural aroma and taste is brought out. All the senses will be rewarded in a balanced cappuccino. Everything hinges on this balance.

I could have just said, 'I agree.' But then it would be too simple for complex organisms. Perhaps the ability to be complex lends to our simplicity. After all, we are made complex by all the simple things within us. Again, it's a question of balance.

Sad to say that's what I lack most, balance.

@the-gravedigger said
Depends upon the environment. As a general rule organisms that have a higher rate of reproduction than their competitors have an evolutionary advantage.

Contraceptives and any kind of birth control, in general, would then be considered an evolutionary disadvantage, numerically speaking?

@divegeester said
Increasing complexity is one of the outcomes of the evolutionary process; therefore in general terms, it must be an advantage.

Generally speaking, and the risk of total or near total annihilation being very real, and likely. Would the total destruction of mankind through the use of many complex nuclear weapons be considered an advantage in the evolutionary process?

@divegeester said
Increasing complexity is one of the outcomes of the evolutionary process; therefore in general terms, it must be an advantage.

An example would be healthcare services.

@pettytalk said
Contraceptives and any kind of birth control, in general, would then be considered an evolutionary disadvantage, numerically speaking?

One of the ways scientists try and control mosquito and rabbit populations is by making them infertile. So yes.

@the-gravedigger said
One of the ways scientists try and control mosquito and rabbit populations is by making them infertile. So yes.

A marked decrease in birth rates in Indonesia 1950-2020 has been highly beneficial to the country and it has underpinned sorely needed improvements in health and education.

@drewnogal said
Whereas an untreated indoor swimming pool is more the cup of tea for an amoeba.

The north sea is a bit like that.

@fmf said
A marked decrease in birth rates in Indonesia 1950-2020 has been highly beneficial to the country and it has underpinned sorely needed improvements in health and education.

Fair enough but its a ticking time bomb for China.

@the-gravedigger said
Fair enough but its a ticking time bomb for China.

And now they turn to feeding a dwindling population by an experiment of rearing pigs in 26 floor, high rise hotel type farms. Apart from the misery inflicted on these poor creatures there’s the prospect of people eating meat that is infused with antibiotics and disinfectants.

@pettytalk said
Generally speaking, and the risk of total or near total annihilation being very real, and likely. Would the total destruction of mankind through the use of many complex nuclear weapons be considered an advantage in the evolutionary process?

Nuclear weapon don’t developed or become more complex via the evolutionary process, they are a mechanical tool.

Can you think of any living organism which has evolved to be less complex?